Is it okay to buy tires other than the OEM Pirelli's for the 2004 XC70? I've never had an AWD vehicle before and I'm concerned about potential problems with other than OEM tires. However, I'm also not liking the price for the Pirellis.

You will not like the price, of any of the tire choices, you have today

Any tire will be $200 ea

The tire rack is a good site to evaluate tires

Always go to several tire stores, to look at what your
interested in. Size doesn't matter for looking at tread design

I don't think, you thought out that question
You own the vehicle,you control tire selection,maintenance,etc

OEM tires are just that. It is possible that your car came with
any number of different brands. The factory will make a run,then
switch venders. All about money & savings
Usually the OE tires, are not the best, as far as wear

All you need, is a quality tire, and the outside diameter is critical
with AWD. That said, after you inflate,buy and then measure the outside of
the tire,what do you do. If you own a shop you can try several tires

My advice, is commit to some serious money,we have no choice,we have to use
what the vehicle was designed for
I wouldn't own a 4x4 or AWD, and run a summer tire. Without an aggressive tread you
defeat the purpose of AWD
So I would suggest you step up to the most aggressive tread you can find, in the correct size
You most likely got, what I call street tires,a florida special

Those less aggresive tires are no good in snow.
And 4x4 and AWD only drives on one tire per axle, not all 4

Pirelli --from my research,coinsidently is at the bottom of the list,forget them